Letters need to ease up on abortion issue

Published: Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 1:15 a.m. CST

By Sharon McLane
Grand Detour

I speak for myself and other readers who agree with Richard Geiger’s letter [“Letter writer would impose views on others,” The Reader’s Voice, Oct. 29] expressing a view many of us share regarding Mr. Becker’s continual efforts to “impose his own religious beliefs on everyone else.”

Great letter, on all points, Mr. Geiger.

I apologize to friends and family who agree with Mr. Becker’s opinion on abortion. My wish is only that this sensitive subject not be brought up time and again in letters to the editor.

It serves only to create ill feelings in those of us who happen to “believe” differently. We try not to impose our opinions on you as consistently as Mr. Becker’s opinion appears before us.

I want to reference a letter I wrote 4 years ago on July 14, 2009. Since then, I have stayed silent – but my opinion remains unchanged.

“I wish that people would stop telling us how we should feel about abortion. I wish the Telegraph could refuse to publish any opinion on this controversial subject. I am tired of hearing about it, reading about it, having it appear in the letters constantly as if this is something readers are interested in reading over and over again. We aren’t. There will always be two sides to the question. And, most assuredly, the answer will not be found in any letters to the editor.

“My belief in humanity assures me that no one is pro-abortion. But, honestly, I’m not interested in how anyone else feels. I have an opinion of my own that I’m perfectly capable of forming all by myself. I wish others of you would keep your opinions to yourself. But, I understand that this is America, and our Constitution uniquely guarantees us the freedom of speech to denounce freedom of choice.”